Everything Barca
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Extra Thoughts on FC Barcelona vs Real Sociedad

By Nikhil Kulkarni

FC Barcelona players celebration during La Liga match between F.C. Barcelona v Betis, in Barcelona, on August 20, 2016. (Photo by Urbanandsport/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
FC Barcelona players celebration during La Liga match between F.C. Barcelona v Betis, in Barcelona, on August 20, 2016. (Photo by Urbanandsport/NurPhoto via Getty Images) /
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Barcelona booked a spot in the Copa Del Ray semis with a thumping 5-2 win over Real Sociedad at Camp Nou in the 2nd leg. A double strike from Denis Suarez along with Messi, Luis Suarez and Arda getting on the score sheet was too much on the plate for the away side. The two-legged tie has summed up total carnage for Real with score line reading 6-2 on aggregate. This game saw Barcelona at their usual play with the hopes of repeating the treble again which was looking quite loom a few days back. Here are some talking points of the game.

  • Denis Suarez takes his claim in the midfield.
BARCELONA, SPAIN - January 26: Denis Suarez of Barcelona celebrates after he scored a goal during the King's Cup (Copa del Rey) match between FC Barcelona and Real Sociedad at Camp Nou Stadium in Barcelona, Spain on January 26, 2017. (Photo by Albert Llop/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images)
BARCELONA, SPAIN - January 26: Denis Suarez of Barcelona celebrates after he scored a goal during the King's Cup (Copa del Rey) match between FC Barcelona and Real Sociedad at Camp Nou Stadium in Barcelona, Spain on January 26, 2017. (Photo by Albert Llop/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images) /

The sparkling youngster, a La Masia graduate was always the fan favorite from the day he arrived at Camp Nou. But due to a pool of players in midfield Suarez never really broke into the 1st team. But an injury to captain Andres Iniesta allowed him to take the center stage where he belongs. The former Barcelona B player continued his tantalizing form from last game with 2 goals. And gave all fans hope that he is capable of shining on the biggest stage of the game. The Spaniard has been brought back with the hope that he will fill the void left by Spanish legends in midfield. To put the whole matter into a nutshell, a cool minded Denis Suarez has shown his skills that he can be the heir for legends in midfield.

  • Messi is a gem while playing at any position.
Lionel Messi of Barcelona during the Spanish Kings Cup (Copa del Rey) round of 1/4 finals first leg football match between Real Sociedad and Barcelona at the Anoeta Stadium in San Sebastian on 19 January, 2017 (Photo by Jose Ignacio Unanue/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Lionel Messi of Barcelona during the Spanish Kings Cup (Copa del Rey) round of 1/4 finals first leg football match between Real Sociedad and Barcelona at the Anoeta Stadium in San Sebastian on 19 January, 2017 (Photo by Jose Ignacio Unanue/NurPhoto via Getty Images) /

The Argentine wizard has always been at the heart of Barcelona attack. But this time Messi played deep in the midfield in the absence of Iniesta and Busquets. In the absence of Busi, the link-up play from defense to forward was missing in the center stage. This forced Messi to step into a more central role to carry the ball forward from midfield. As there is nothing new under the sun, Messi was excellent with his play helping Barcelona reach another semi of CDR. That sublime pass for Denis’s 2nd goal proved his mettle in the game. His evolution from a mere goal-scorer to a complete footballing package is playing a key role in FCB’s win even in the absence of midfield greats.

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  • Barcelona has the true squad depth to fill up any concerns.
Arda Turan during the spanish league match between FC Barcelona and Las Palmas in Barcelona, on January 14, 2017. (Photo by Miquel Llop/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Arda Turan during the spanish league match between FC Barcelona and Las Palmas in Barcelona, on January 14, 2017. (Photo by Miquel Llop/NurPhoto via Getty Images) /

The injuries to Iniesta, Rafinha and Sergio Busquets along with the dip in form of Rakitic at this stage of league planted a seed of doubt in all fans. Though we can’t replace them but at least FCB can cope up with it till they are ready again to roar up again.  This game was a true illustration of that depth for all after merely looking at the score line. Out of the 5 goals scored, 2 were from Denis and 1 from substitute Arda Turan assisted by another substitute Aleix Vidal.

Next: Barcelona-Real Betis Preview

Luis Enrique’s rotations have begun to bear fruits as every player is getting some minutes. This has been ‘live and learn’ story, as last year Barcelona struggled to cope up with injuries at this crucial juncture of the season resulting in an early burnout of most players. But things have turned around this year as most of the players have some minutes including stopper Cillessen as FCB gear up for another treble.